Moisturizing agent with nutrients

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a gelatinous moisturizing substrate such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,865,640 for controllably delivering water, gas micro-nutrients, plant growth additives, preservatives, and surfactants to plant tissue such as the entire vertical root system of a plant. The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a mixture of the following by percent weight: 97.6% water, 2.0% sodium carboxymethylcellulose, 0.15% aluminum sulfate, 0.04% sodium benzoate, 0.04% potassium sorbate, 0.237% zinc acetate, 0.00009% kinetin, 0.00004% indole-3-butyric acid, 0.00003% gibberellic acid, and 0.005% sodium sesquicarbonate. The concentrations of these nutrients disclosed in this invention maintain the substrate&#39;s viscosity. As a result, the moisturizing agent retains water, zinc, acetic acid, auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins in the gel and releases the water and nutrients into the soil surface at a controlled rate, enabling cell growth, formation of new leaves, vigorous shoot growth, even maturity, and improved stress tolerance.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a gelatinous moisturizingsubstrate such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,865,640, forcontrollably delivering water and nutrients to plant tissue such as theroot ball of a living plant.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The commercial product DRiWATER Gel (“DriWATER”) embodies U.S. Pat. No.4,865,640 (“the '640 patent”), the entire specification of which isincorporated herein. The product has been used throughout the world forthe past several years and has successfully provided users with atime-released water delivery product for plants. DRiWATER is acarboxymethylcellulose crosslinked polymer comprised of 97.85% water,2.0% sodium carboxymethylcellulose (“CMC”), and 0.15% aluminum sulfate.When mixed together in a high sheer mixer, cross linkage between thecarboxilic acid groups of the carboxymethylcellulose compound andaluminum in aluminum sulfate traps the water in a heavy gel stabilizingat a final viscosity of 45,000+ centipoises.

The time release feature of the commercially available product resultsfrom the action of micro-organisms that utilize the gel as a foodsource. The gel is eventually degraded by microorganisms to yield freewater. Cellulose degrading microorganisms can be found in all soil typesand produce enzymes for breakdown of cellulose. This technology can bethought of as a slow release method for watering plants. DRiWATER hasalso be used to control the rate of water release so as to notover-water any plant species. The DRiWATER product would be morebeneficial to plants if it provided some value other than watering alonesuch as increasing roots. An increase in the root mass will result inmore growth, better appearance, and improve nutrition uptake by plants.The DRiWATER Gel is packaged in cartons, cups, synthetic casing or anyother suitable container that can be partially or totally opened forapplication in close proximity to the rhyzosphere of the plant.

Plants need 18 elements for normal growth. Carbon, hydrogen and oxygenare found in air and water. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium,calcium and sulfur and carbon are found in the soil. The above mentionedelements are referred to as “macronutrients” by those skilled in the artbecause plants use these elements in large amounts. The nine otherelements that are used in much smaller amounts are referred to as“micro-nutrients” or “trace elements” and are found in the soil. Thesenine micro-nutrients are iron, zinc, molybdenum, nickel, manganese,boron, copper, cobalt and chlorine. All 18 elements, bothmacro-nutrients and micro-nutrients are essential for plant growth. Inmost locations, it is likely that there are sufficient macro-nutrientsin the soil that are not readily available to the plants due to a zincdeficiency.

It is a fact that the soils in at least 42 of the 48 contiguous statesare deficient in zinc. Plant growth is enhanced when zinc is added. Theimportance of zinc for crop production has been recognized for manyyears. Zinc deficiency has many symptoms including; stunted growth,light green areas between the veins of new leaves, smaller leaves,shortened internodes, and broad white bands on each side of the midribin corn and grain sorghum. Zinc is essential to many enzyme systems inplants with three main functions including catalytic, co-catalytic, andstructural integrity. Zinc contributes in the production of importantgrowth regulators that affect photosynthesis, new growth, and thedevelopment of roots. Zinc promotes the cell growth needed forincreasing root development and extended root systems—improving nutrientuptake, formation of new leaves and vigorous shoot growth, more evenmaturity, and improved stress tolerance. If zinc is in short supply,plant utilization of other plant nutrients such as nitrogen willdecrease. When zinc is deficient in soils, only small amounts are neededif placed close to the rhizospere at planting. It would therefore beadvantageous to provide DRiWATER with zinc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a substrate which releasesimpregnated water, gas, and nutrients when interacting with biologicalorganisms comprising a mixture of a cellulosic compound ranging from 0.6to 3% by weight of the water to be used, having an average molecularweight ranging between 90,000 and 700,000 represented by the formula:R—O—COOM in which “M” is a metal substituted for hydrogen on saidcarboxyl group of the cellulose compound and “R” is cellulosic chain, ahydrated metallic salt ranging from 0.1% to 0.3% by weight of the weightof water being used, water ranging from 96.0% to 99.5% by weight, amicro-nutrient selected from the group consisting of zinc and zincsalts, the concentration of zinc ranging from 0.006% to 0.72% by weightof the weight of water being used, at least one plant growth additiveselected from the group consisting of plant growth hormones and plantgrowth regulators ranging from 0.00001% to 0.0003% by weight of theweight of water being used, at least one preservative selected from thegroup consisting of sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and acetic acidranging from 0.01% to 0.3% by weight of the weight of water being used,a surfactant ranging from 0.0025% to 0.006% by weight of the weight ofwater being used, and an acetic acid component selected from the groupconsisting of acetic acid or acetic acid salts, the concentration ofacetate ranging from 0.1% to 0.48% by weight of the weight of waterbeing used.

The invention is also directed to a method of providing water, gas, andnutrients to a plant in soil at a predetermined, time release ratecomprising placing a substrate in the soil, the substrate comprising amixture of a cellulosic compound ranging from 1 to 3% by weightincluding glucose units and having a molecular weight ranging between90,000 and 700,000 represented by the formula: R—O—CH2-COOM where “M” isa metal substituted on said glucose units of the cellulose compound and“R” is a cellulose chain, a hydrated metallic salt ranging from 0.1% to0.03% by weight, water ranging from 96.0% to 99.5% by weight, amicro-nutrient selected from the group consisting of zinc and zincsalts, the concentration of zinc ranging from 0.006% to 0.72% by weightof the weight of water being used, at least one plant growth additiveselected from the group consisting of plant growth hormones and plantgrowth regulators ranging from 0.00001% to 0.0003% by weight of theweight of water being used, at least one preservative selected from thegroup consisting of sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and acetic acidranging from 0.01% to 0.3% by weight of the weight of water being used,a surfactant ranging from 0.0025% to 0.006% by weight of the weight ofwater being used, and an acetic acid component selected from the groupconsisting of acetic acid or acetic acid salts, the concentration ofacetate ranging from 0.1% to 0.48% by weight of the weight of waterbeing used, and placing the plant roots in the vicinity of thesubstrate.

The present invention relates to the DRiWATER moisturizing substrate forcontrollably delivering water, micro-nutrients such as zinc,macro-nutrients, plant growth additives (including plant growth hormonesand plant growth regulators), preservatives, and surfactants to theplant in the same manner to the entire vertical root system of a plant.It would appear to be obvious to anyone of ordinary skill in the art,that adding macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients to the DRiWATER Gelwould be beneficial to the plants. However, zinc is a divalent cation(when in an aqueous solution depending on pH) and would thereforeinterfere with cross linkage between the cellulose compound and thealuminum in aluminum sulfate causing the effect of an unstableviscosity. For example, the addition of fertilizer components, withoutthe addition of the ionic counter-balancing chemicals, will destroy thegel cross-linkage and destabilize the gel viscosity or in some casesliquefy the gel entirely. Therefore the composition as well as the rateat which zinc is put into the gel system with ionic counter balancingchemicals is rate sensitive. A combination of zinc sulfate and aceticacid were incorporated into the DRiWATER gel at a rate of 0.167%(weight/weight) zinc sulfate and 0.07% (weight/weight) acetic acid.Scientific experiments have shown this combination of zinc sulfate andacetic acid in DRiWATER yielded the greatest increase in rooting ofpepper plants, an increase of 208% to 283% greater root mass thantreatments with original DRiWATER.

Furthermore, as discussed above, preliminary experiments have shown thatthe addition of plant growth additives, preservatives, and surfactantshas negatively affected the viscosity of the DRiWATER gel. Thesecompounds also must be incorporated at exact rates so as to notdestabilize the viscosity. The compounds must also be in specificmathematically calculated mole equivalents of each other to preventdestabilization of the DRiWATER gel. Further, this principle ishormone/nutrient selective, meaning that some hormones/nutrients cannotbe incorporated at all because they destroy gel cross-linkage. It shouldalso be noted that each compound requires a specificbalancing/countering chemical component. That is, the specifichormone/nutrient combination for each hormone/nutrient is selective andacts chemically different then every other hormone/nutrient. Thereforeeach hormone/nutrient requires a different balancing/countering chemicalcomponent.

The present invention is further directed to control the liquefactionrate of DRiWATER plus nutrients based on factors other than the degreeof exposure to micro-organisms. The surface area exposed to themicro-organisms in the soil controls liquefaction rate of DRiWATER. Thegreater the surface area exposed, the faster the DRiWATER Gel willliquefy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graph showing viscosity changes resulting from the additionof zinc sulfate and acetic acid to the gel.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a plant treated with original DRiWATER.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a plant treated with DRiWATER plus 0.167% (w/w)zinc sulfate and 0.07% (w/w) acetic acid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to the distribution of the DRiWATERgelatinous moisturizing substrate for controllably delivering water,micro-nutrients, macro-nutrients, plant growth additives, preservatives,and surfactants to plant tissue such as the entire vertical root systemof a plant. The present invention delivers water and the aforementionednutrition to plants, thus enhancing plant development and growth at apre-determined rate for a pre-determined period of time and providingthe desired maintenance for plants.

It is commonly known that the addition of nutrients, and hormones toplants improve plant growth. For example, many micro-nutrients can befound in most standard fertilizers, but must be in an ionic form (mostelements ionize in water) to be taken up by the plant. In traditionalwatering, nutrients were provided to plants by mixing fertilizers andnutrients with water and pouring or dripping the mixture around a plant.However, any excess water and fertilizer that the soil was unable toretain will eventually ended up in underground aquifers.

It is the object of this invention to controllably delivering water,micro-nutrients, macro-nutrients, plant growth additives, preservatives,and surfactants to plant tissue via the DRiWATER gel. However,preliminary experiments demonstrated that the addition of most nutrientsand hormones negatively affect the viscosity of the DRiWATER gel,causing the DRiWATER gel to function improperly. The present inventionis directed to incorporating a rooting compound into DRiWATER withoutdestabilizing the gel's viscosity.

Without wanting to be limited to any one theory, it is believed that thecompositions of the present application help to promote the cell growthneeded for extended root systems, formation of new leaves, vigorousshoot growth, more even maturity, and improved stress tolerance.

All percentages, ratios and proportions herein are by weight of thecomposition, unless otherwise specified. All temperatures are in degreesCelsius (° C.) unless otherwise specified. All documents cited areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Citation of anyreference is not an admission regarding any determination as to itsavailability as prior art to the claimed invention.

As previously stated, the importance of zinc for crop production hasbeen recognized for many years. Zinc is essential to many enzyme systemsin plants with three main functions including catalytic, co-catalytic,and structural integrity. For example, in the plant, the plant growthhormone, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)(anion in aqueous solution dependingon pH), is a naturally occurring auxin. It also occurs in many bacteria,fungi, and algae. IAA regulates cellular elongation, phototropism,geotropism, apical dominance, root initiation, ethylene production,fruit development, parthenocaarpy, abscission, and sex expression, allof which are necessary for normal plant growth. To maintain plantsnormal growth, IAA must be produced and regulated by the plant. Zinc isa co-factor in the transformation of the amino acid tryptophan to theauxin IAA. Adding zinc will help maintain IAA levels in the plant andpromote growth, rooting, and health.

The selection of zinc sulfate as the source of zinc was based onscientific literature. Many sources of zinc have been tested to seewhich compound would be utilized more efficiently by plant species. Zincsulfate is the most readily available form for plants. Zinc sulfate alsocontains a sulfate ion. The sulfate ion (SO₄ ²⁻) is a beneficialnutrient and naturally occurring in soils. Sulfur is used to bind aminoacids together by sulfide bridging to create enzymes and proteins, thebuilding blocks of life.

Research indicates that the presence of acetic acid will improve uptakeof minerals. Acetic acid is also known as a preservative and will aid inpreserving the gel's viscosity as well as help protect the gel frommicroorganism degradation. It is essential to note that without thecorrect molar combination of the zinc sulfate and acetic acidcomponents, the gel viscosity will dramatically decrease or increase tothe point at which it would provide little or no benefit for any plantspecies.

The following experiment was conducted to illustrate that zinc sulfateand acetic acid were formed to stimulate the greatest root growth and isnot intended to be in any way limiting of the invention, as manyvariations thereof are possible without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention:

Experiment Methods and Materials

Materials: Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), aluminum, preservatives,surfactants, zinc sulfate heptahydrate, acetic acid and pure water. Itis noted that when preparing the substrate, the concentration of watermay range between 96.0% to 99.5% by weight.

Alumuminum, preservatives, surfactants, zinc sulfate heptahydrate, andacetic acid were poured into 400 mL beaker and were mixed forapproximately 20 minutes or until all solids were dissolved. Thesolution was then poured into a 10 speed Osterizer blender (6) and setto “Ice Crush”, with a maximum output of 450 watts. The blade speed was1100 RPM.

CMC was then poured into the blender. CMC was added at a consistent rateover 15 seconds while the blender was mixing. Mixing was continued foran additional 70 seconds, for a total mix time of 85 seconds.Approximately 300 mL of gel were formed and a viscosity reading wastaken approximately 15 minutes after formation to allow gel to cool toroom temperature. The gel volume measured was of approximately 200 mL ina 250 mL beaker analyzed with a Brookfield HADV-II+ viscometer. Theviscosity was measured in units of centipoises (cP) to ensure the gelsstability. Nine oz. of the gel were then weighed and inserted into aplastic casing to limit air exposure and contamination. The gel was thenallowed to stabilize in plastic casings for a minimum of 3 days toachieve a viscosity that represents that of the consumer product. Fivedifferent formulated gels labeled Gel 1 through Gel 5 were made. Eachgel formulation was tested using 3 replications of each. The originalDRiWATER gel was used as the control (3 replications).

Anaheim peppers were planted in a defined native Arizona soil grown forapproximately three weeks. Anaheim pepper plants used were selected tobe of similar height and stem size for the tests.

Approximately 12-15 centimeter slit was made on each gel casing. Eachgel casing was opened slightly to expose the gel to soil. Exposed gel inthe casing was laid on the soil in which the Anaheim pepper plants weregrowing. Each plant was watered thoroughly on first day of treatment.

No watering was done for a period of 30 days. Plants were grown in agreenhouse with an approximate daily temperature of 65° F. Observationswere made daily. On day 30 of the experiment, Plants were removed fromsoil. Roots were cleaned and pictures were taken. Then plants were cutat the cotyledonary nodes and the fresh weight of the root mass andhypocotyls were measured. Plants were then cut at the crown of roots andthe fresh weight of the root mass was measured. Fresh weight wasmeasured and compared for all formulations.

Results and Observations

TABLE 1 Formulations Ingredient Percent by weight (%) Grams (g) Gel 1CMC 1.997 5.990 Alum 0.150 0.449 Sodium Benzoate 0.040 0.120 PotassiumSorbate 0.040 0.120 Zinc Sulfate 0.056 0.168 Acetic Acid 0.023 0.070Water 97.690 293.071 RA-2 0.005 0.0150 Total Weight 100.001 300 Gel 2CMC 1.995 5.986 Alum 0.150 0.449 Sodium Benzoate 0.040 0.120 PotassiumSorbate 0.040 0.120 Zinc Sulfate 0.112 0.335 Acetic Acid 0.047 0.140Water 97.613 292.839 RA-2 0.005 0.015 Total Weight 100.001 300 *Gel 3CMC 1.994 5.981 Alum 0.150 0.449 Sodium Benzoate 0.040 0.120 PotassiumSorbate 0.040 0.120 Zinc Sulfate 0.167 0.502 Acetic Acid 0.070 0.210Water 97.536 292.607 RA-2 0.005 0.015 Total Weight 100.001 300 Gel 4 CMC1.992 5.976 Alum 0.149 0.448 Sodium Benzoate 0.040 0.120 PotassiumSorbate 0.040 0.120 Zinc Sulfate 0.223 0.669 Acetic Acid 0.093 0.279Water 97.459 292.376 RA-2 0.005 0.015 Total Weight 100.001 300 Gel 5 CMC1.990 5.971 Alum 0.149 0.448 Sodium Benzoate 0.040 0.119 PotassiumSorbate 0.040 0.119 Zinc Sulfate 0.278 0.835 Acetic Acid 0.116 0.349Water 97.382 292.145 RA-2 0.005 0.015 Total Weight 100.001 300 ControlCMC 1.998 5.04 Alum 0.150 0.378 Sodium Benzoate 0.040 0.1008 PotassiumSorbate 0.040 0.1008 Zinc Sulfate 0.000 0 Acetic Acid 0.000 0 Water97.767 246.58 RA-2 0.005 0.0126 Total Weight 100.000 252.2122 *BoldAsterisk represents best results.

TABLE 2 Average Gel pH and Viscosity Acetic Average gel Standard AverageZn-sulfate % Acid % Viscosity Deviation gel Gel # (w/w) (w/w) (cP) (cP)pH 1 0.056 0.023 12829.91 608.81 5.28 2 0.112 0.047 16614.11 777.26 5.13*3  0.167 0.07 17700 843.15 5.08 4 0.223 0.093 20470.83 905.34 4.95 50.278 0.116 24297.65 1134.79 4.9 Control 0 0 0 N/A N/A *Bold asteriskrepresents best results.

TABLE 3 Soil pH Values after 30 days of DRiWATER treatment pH of soilAverage pH of soil Std. Dev. Plant # Trial after gel treatment after geltreatment pH Control 1 1 7.15 7.00 0.13 2 6.91 3 6.94 1 1 7.06 6.76 0.362 6.37 3 6.86 2 1 6.9 6.82 0.09 2 6.73 3 6.83 *3  1 6.56 6.52 0.08 26.43 3 6.56 4 1 6.81 6.63 0.16 2 6.6 3 6.49 5 1 6.74 6.59 0.16 2 6.42 36.6 The pH of the native soil prior to testing was 5.8. *Bold asteriskrepresents best results.

TABLE 4 Fresh weight roots and hypocotyls Fresh Average Root Fresh RootIncreased Weight of Weight of Std. % of root/ roots and roots and Dev.hypocotyl Plant hypocotyls hypocotyls Grams compared to TreatmentRepetition Grams (g) Grams (g) (g) control Control 1 0.516 0.620 0.090N/A 2 0.677 0.620 0.090 N/A 3 0.667 0.620 0.090 N/A gel 1 1 0.253 0.3990.131 64.355 2 0.505 0.399 0.131 64.355 3 0.439 0.399 0.131 64.355 gel 21 0.949 1.009 0.128 162.742 2 0.922 1.009 0.128 162.742 3 1.156 1.0090.128 162.742 *gel 3 1 1.447 1.287 0.339 207.634 2 0.898 1.287 0.339207.634 3 1.517 1.287 0.339 207.634 gel 4 1 0.997 0.863 0.126 139.194 20.846 0.863 0.126 139.194 3 0.746 0.863 0.126 139.194 gel 5 1 0.4471.198 0.650 193.172 2 1.592 1.198 0.650 193.172 3 1.554 1.198 0.650193.172 *Bold asterisk represents best results.

TABLE 5 Fresh weight of roots Average Fresh Fresh Increased % WeightWeight of roots Plant of roots of roots Std. Dev. compared to TreatmentRepetition Grams (g) Grams (g) Grams (g) control Control 1 0.186 0.2710.074 N/A 2 0.305 0.271 0.074 N/A 3 0.323 0.271 0.074 N/A gel 1 1 0.1320.193 0.056 71.341 2 0.242 0.193 0.056 71.341 3 0.206 0.193 0.056 71.341gel 2 1 0.544 0.523 0.043 193.112 2 0.474 0.523 0.043 193.112 3 0.5520.523 0.043 193.112 *gel 3 1 0.892 0.769 0.244 283.764 2 0.488 0.7690.244 283.764 3 0.927 0.769 0.244 283.764 gel 4 1 0.552 0.448 0.101165.191 2 0.441 0.448 0.101 165.191 3 0.35 0.448 0.101 165.191 gel 5 10.203 0.715 0.450 263.838 2 0.892 0.715 0.450 263.838 3 1.05 0.715 0.450263.838 The Data stated in Table 4 and Table 5 was taken immediatelyafter the Anaheim peppers were removed from the soil. *Bold asteriskrepresents best results

The results of this experiment confirm that although the addition ofnutrients, fertilizers, and hormones to DRiWATER would be beneficial toplants, the addition of most nutrients and hormones negatively affectthe viscosity of the DRiWATER gel (see FIG. 1). The objective of theexperiment was to incorporate a rooting compound into DRiWATER withoutdestabilizing the gel's viscosity. The experiment has shown that thecombination of zinc sulfate and acetic acid in DRiWATER yielded thegreatest increase in rooting of pepper plants—an increase of 208% to283% (see Table 4, Table 5, and FIG. 3) if delivered in the properrates. There was greater root mass than treatments with originalDRiWATER, which lacked the aforementioned nutrients (see Table 4, Table5, and FIG. 2.). This demonstrates that the optimum rate for rootingwith acetic acid and zinc sulfate was established with a concentrationof 0.167% zinc sulfate and 0.07% acetic.

As previously discussed, the present invention is directed to thedistribution of the DRiWATER gelatinous moisturizing substrate forcontrollably delivering water and nutrients to plant tissue. Forexample, some elements and micro/macro nutrients found in fertilizerscan be incorporated into the DRiWATER Gel, but only with the addition ofspecialized chemicals used to counteract the viscosity reducingelements. The addition of nutrients to DRiWATER, without destroying theviscosity of the gel, would be beneficial to plants. The followingnutrients may be combined with DRiWATER at the disclosed percentagecombinations to maintain gel viscosity and provide optimum results tothe plant.

For example, as previously discussed, a well known plant hormone is theauxin IAA. Other auxins include, but are not limited to IBA, NAA, 2,4-D,2,4-DB, etc. IAA is a naturally occurring auxin known to improve rootingand protect against high salt activity. Because enzymes and lightdegrade this auxin it is impractical to work with. However,indole-3-butyric acid (“IBA”) (anion or cation in aqueous solutiondepending on pH) has been established in the plant world as a compoundthat mimics IAA in many ways. The difference is that IBA is practical towork with and will not easily degrade. As further discussed in theexperiment below, IBA concentration at a range of 0.00001% to 0.0003% byweight of the weight of the water being used improves rooting andprotect against high salt activity of the plant, while not destroyingthe viscosity of the DRiWATER gel.

Cytokinins (kinetin, zeatin, etc.,) are another well known group ofplant hormones that are growth regulators. More specifically, kinetinaids in cell division in various plants and in yeast. Kinetin (anion orcation in aqueous solution depending on pH) is known to increase celldivision and delay senescence in plants, but only in the presence ofauxin. Therefore it would be beneficial to include an auxin with kinetinin formulation. As futher discussed in the experiment below, kinetinconcentration at a range of 0.00001% to 0.0001% by weight of the weightof the water being used increases cell division and delay senescence ofthe plant, while not destroying the viscosity of the DRiWATER gel.

Gibberellic Acid (“GA3”) (anion in aqueous solution depending on pH) isthe most outstanding of the plant growth promoting metabolites in agroup of plant hormones called gibberellins (GA3, GA4, GA7, etc.).Gibberellic acid is especially beneficial for new seedling growth andpromoting germination of seeds. All of the above mentioned hormones arevery active in physiologically low rates and although they arebeneficial independently, in combination they have an additive, or insome cases a synergistic effect. As further discussed in the experimentbelow, GA3 concentration at a range of 0.00001% to 0.0003% by weight ofthe weight of the water being used improves seedling growth andgermination of seeds while not destroying the viscosity of the DRiWATERgel.

It is perceived that in this invention, auxins other than IBA,gibberellic acid composed of other gibberellins, and cytokinins otherthan kinetin can be used, as long as the concentration does not destroythe viscocity of the DRiWATER gel.

As previously stated, preservatives aid in preserving the DRiWATER gel'sviscosity as well as help protect the gel from microorganismdegradation. Preservatives can be selected from sodium benzoate,potassium sorbate, and acetic acid, but are not specifically limited tothe above. Research at the DRiWATER lab has demonstrated that aceticacid will slow gel degradion in soil. This is done by acetic acid actingas a preservative. This is another desirable characteristic of the aboveadditions. By adding preservatives to the composition of the presentinvention, such as sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate, but notlimited to these preservatives, the liquefaction rate can be furtherregulated. A combination of two preservatives is required: one tocontrol mold, one to control bacterial activity although there may besome activity of each to the sets of microorganisms. The concentrationof each preservative can range from 0.01% to 0.3% of the weight of thewater being used while not destroying the viscosity of the DRiWATER gel

By adding a surfactant to the composition of the present invention, suchas sodium sesquicarbonate, but not limited to this surfactant, waterpenetration into the soil is improved. The surfactant can be sodiumsesquicarbonate or any other environmentally friendly surfactant that iscompatible. The surfactant concentration at a range from 0.0005% to0.005% of the weight of the weight of the water being used improvesseedling growth and germination of seeds while not destroying theviscosity of the DRiWATER gel.

An example of the invention is set forth hereinafter by way ofillustration and is not intended to be in any way limiting of theinvention, as many variations thereof are possible without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention.

EXAMPLE 1

As an example, the present invention composition according to thepreferred embodiment can comprise: 246.58 g water, 5.04 g sodiumcarboxymethylcellulose, 0.378 g aluminum sulfate, 0.1008 g sodiumbenzoate, 0.1008 g potassium sorbate, 0.423 g zinc sulfate, 0.0015 mg ofother plant growth regulators and 0.0126 g sodium sesquicarbonate. Thisformulation combination yields one 9 oz. gelpac of DRiWATER with zincacetate, plant growth regulators, preservatives, and surfactant added.The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a mixture ofthe following by percent weight: 97.6% water, 2.0% sodium CMC, 0.15%aluminum sulfate, 0.04% sodium benzoate, 0.04% potassium sorbate, 0.237%zinc acetate, 0.00009% kinetin, 0.00004% IBA, 0.00003% GA3 and 0.005%sodium sesquicarbonate. The DRiWATER Gel with zinc, acetic acid, plantgrowth regulators, preservatives and surfactant is advantageous becauseit waters, provides nutrition, and promotes plant development and growthon a continual time release basis and improves water penetration intothe soil. The amount and type of zinc, acetic acid, and other plantgrowth regulators may vary dependent on the requirements of a particularplant species.

TABLE 1 list examples of the present invention according to differentembodiments. Growth Sodium Potassium Zinc Regu- Surfac- CMC AlumBenzoate Sorbate Acetate lators tant (gal) (lbs) (lbs) (lbs) (lbs) (lbs)(oz) (lbs) 2,500 400 30 4 4 14 0.5 1 2,500 200 20 2 2 32 1.0 0.5 2,500132 13.2 6 6 48 1.5 0.1 2,500 300 25 8 8 32 0.75 0.75 2,500 350 27.5 2 248 0.90 0.90

For example, Gibberellic Acid (GA3) regulates growth; application ofvery low concentration can have a profound effect. Indole-3-Butyric Acidis especially effective for initiating roots of both stems and leaves.

Although the process, composition and methods of the present inventionhave been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, itwill be evident to those of ordinary skill in this art that variousmodifications and changes may be made to these embodiments withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.Accordingly, the specification is to be regarded as illustrative and notrestrictive.

1. A substrate which releases impregnated water, gas, and nutrients wheninteracting with biological organisms comprising a mixture of: a. acellulosic compound ranging from 0.6 to 3% by weight of the water to beused, having an average molecular weight ranging between 90,000 and700,000 represented by the formula: R—O—COOM in which “M” is a metalsubstituted for hydrogen on said carboxyl group of the cellulosecompound and “R” is cellulosic chain; b. a hydrated metallic saltranging from 0.1% to 0.3% by weight of the weight of water being used;c. water ranging from 96.0% to 99.5% by weight; d. a micro-nutrientselected from the group consisting of zinc and zinc salts, theconcentration of zinc ranging from 0.006% to 0.72% by weight of theweight of water being used; e. at least one plant growth additiveselected from the group consisting of plant growth hormones and plantgrowth regulators ranging from 0.00001% to 0.0003% by weight of theweight of water being used; f. at least one preservative selected fromthe group consisting of sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and aceticacid ranging from 0.01% to 0.3% by weight of the weight of water beingused; g. a surfactant ranging from 0.0025% to 0.006% by weight of theweight of water being used; and h. an acetic acid component selectedfrom the group consisting of acetic acid or acetic acid salts, theconcentration of acetate ranging from 0.1% to 0.48% by weight of theweight of water being used.
 2. The substrate of claim 1 in which themetal of the cellulosic compound is selected from the group consistingof lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium and cesium.
 3. The substrate ofclaim 1 in which the hydrated metallic salt is selected from the saltgroup consisting of aluminum sulfate, zinc sulfate, indium sulfate,cadmium sulfate, and gallium sulfate.
 4. The substrate of claim 1 inwhich the water is aerated.
 5. The substrate of claim 1 in which theplant growth hormone is selected from the group consisting ofgibberellins and auxins.
 6. The substrate of claim 5 in which thegiberellin is gibberellic acid (GA3) at a range of 0.00001% to 0.00005%by weight of the weight of the water being used.
 7. The substrate ofclaim 5 in which the auxin is indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) at a range of0.00001% to 0.00008% by weight of the weight of the water being used. 8.The substrate of claim 1 in which the plant growth regulator is acytokinins.
 9. The substrate of claim 8 in which the cytokinin iskinetin at a range of 0.00001% to 0.0001% by weight of the weight of thewater being used.
 10. The substrate in claim 1 in which the preservativeis a combination of at least two preservatives, at least one having anacidic pH and at least one having a basic pH.
 11. The substrate of claim1 in which the surfactant is sodium sesquicarbonate.
 12. A method ofproviding water, gas, and nutrients to a plant in soil at apredetermined, time release rate comprising: a. placing a substrate inthe soil, the substrate comprising a mixture of: a cellulosic compoundranging from 1 to 3% by weight including glucose units and having amolecular weight ranging between 90,000 and 700,000 represented by theformula: R—O—CH2-COOM where “M” is a metal substituted on said glucoseunits of the cellulose compound and “R” is a cellulose chain; a hydratedmetallic salt ranging from 0.1% to 0.03% by weight; water ranging from96.0% to 99.5% by weight; a micro-nutrient selected from the groupconsisting of zinc and zinc salts, the concentration of zinc rangingfrom 0.006% to 0.72% by weight of the weight of water being used; atleast one plant growth additive selected from the group consisting ofplant growth hormones and plant growth regulators ranging from 0.00001%to 0.0003% by weight of the weight of water being used; at least onepreservative selected from the group consisting of sodium benzoate,potassium sorbate, and acetic acid ranging from 0.01% to 0.3% by weightof the weight of water being used; a surfactant ranging from 0.0025% to0.006% by weight of the weight of water being used; and an acetic acidcomponent selected from the group consisting of acetic acid or aceticacid salts, the concentration of acetate ranging from 0.1% to 0.48% byweight of the weight of water being used; and b. placing the plant rootsin the vicinity of the substrate.
 13. The method according to claim 12in which the metal of the cellulosic compound is selected from the groupconsisting of lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium and cesium.
 14. Themethod according to claim 12 in which the hydrated metallic salt isselected from the salt group consisting of aluminum sulfate, zincsulfate, indium sulfate, cadmium sulfate, and gallium sulfate.
 15. Themethod according to claim 12 in which the water is aerated.
 16. Themethod according to claim 12 in which the plant growth hormone isselected from the group consisting of gibberellins and auxins.
 17. Themethod according to claim 16 in which the giberellin is gibberellic acid(GA3) at a range of 0.00001% to 0.00005% by weight of the weight of thewater being used.
 18. The method according to claim 16 in which theauxin is indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) at a range of 0.00001% to 0.00008%by weight of the weight of the water being used.
 19. The methodaccording to claim 12 in which the plant growth regulator is acytokinin.
 20. The method according to claim 19 in which the cytokininis kinetin at a range of 0.00001% to 0.0001% by weight of the weight ofthe water being used.
 21. The method according to claim 12 in which thepreservative is a combination of at least two preservatives, at leastone having an acidic pH and at least one having a basic pH.
 22. Themethod according to claim 12 in which the surfactant is sodiumsesquicarbonate.
 23. The method of claim 12 additionally comprises thesteps of: a. Adding soil to cover the root area of the plant after saidstep of placing the plant roots in the vicinity of the substrate. b.Watering the plant to help minimize transplant shock before thesubstrate begins to release moisture and nutrients.